Lady Elizabeth ”Liberty” Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothal is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence- or she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé’s cousin, Noble Rynallt carries the flame of the revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

My Thoughts

I was so thrilled to receive a copy of the Lacemaker in the mail this week! I simply loved it in every way. Laura Frantz tells an unforgettable story, rich in history with vivid characters and perhaps my favorite heroine yet! The story unfolds in perfect tempo, with enough turns and twists to keep you up late reading! I loved that Liberty fought for her own independence as the story unfolded. The hero of the story, Noble Rynallt, could not have been better suited for this revolutionary tale.

Many years ago, I stumbled upon Laura Frantz’s first book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, in my local library. For me, it was love at first read. I have a short list of favorites, and Frantz is at the top! The Lacemaker is Frantz at her best! You do not want to miss this book! As a side note, I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, not far from Williamsburg. This book was especially thrilling to read because I know the places in it so well. Thank you Laura Frantz for another piece of perfect historical fiction!

I requested a copy of The Lacemaker from its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. I would have purchased this book had I not received a copy because Laura Frantz is my favorite! All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

About the Author

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the ECPA best-selling author of several books, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, A Moonbow Night, and the Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

For years we have promised our two boys that they would have a puppy. A dog of their own to love. We put it off for so long because we weren’t ready. After studying, reading, and researching we landed on some kind of doodle. My son has reactive airways and we needed a non shedding dog. Accidentally, we stumbled upon a breeder in South Carolina who operates a bit differently. He has no rows of kennels filled with momma dogs. All of his momma dogs live with a different family, guardian homes. I love that.

Six and a half hours to South Carolina and back was required to retrieve our sweet golden doodle. She was a perfect angel up until we decided to eat lunch in the car. My husband stopped at a carefully selected BBQ joint in North Carolina. When he returned to the car with fries, sandwiches, and hushpuppies….our pup lost her mind! She clawed her way out of my arms and snatched the hushpuppy bag right out of my hand!

We selected this particular pup because her coat is wavy, she was one of the smallest in her litter, and because she is so stinking cute! She might be one of the most vocal puppies I have encountered. For that reason, and because I might be the biggest Dolly Parton fan alive….we named her Dolly! Dolly Parton when she is in trouble. Hello Dolly! She definitely needs a rhinestone collar.

I have almost finished my advance copy of this OH SO GOOD novel by Laura Frantz. My review is coming, but I wanted to encourage you to order your copy now! Laura Frantz is my favorite author and she never disappoints. I love that this story is based in Virginia! We visit Williamsburg and Richmond often and it is so fun to read about them in historical context.

This tale of a marriage of convenience turned love story is sure to keep you up late turning pages! You can preorder your copy on Amazon or CBD. Happy reading!

In one month and twenty-four days my family and I are heading out in a fifth wheel for six weeks to see 10 national parks. In the past we have always been tent people. Tent camping is cheap, and can be so much fun. Knowing we would be on the road for 42 days, we decided to upgrade our accommodations.

We are pretty much newbies at the fifth wheel life and I can tell you from our limited experience…its a little complicated. There is more to buy than just the camper. You also need a fifth wheel hitch, a brake controller, and according to my husband…a second air conditioner and Ride Rite air bags. Also, if you live in Virginia, you have a wheel tax of sorts for your camper. Glamping is not cheap.

We made our practice run on our spring break, traveling 340 miles or so to Bay’s Mountain located in Kingsport, Tennessee. So much was learned on this first trip. In case you are new at this too…or just need a good laugh…here are just a few things we learned.

1. Even if you are too tired to find the hand towels and put out the toilet paper when you arrive, do it anyway. Your son might be first up in the morning and decide to use paper towels for his bathroom needs. Did I mention he flushed them?? In a camper potty??

2. Just because the gauge on your galley tank says its only 2/3 full, don’t bet on it. Water might back up and flow back out. Yes, that happened.

3. Hide a key that is accessible outside of your camper. And not in your car…it might be locked. After unlocking your camper, your son might turn the key back into the lock position without you knowing it. Yes, you can lock yourself out of your camper.

4. Subscribe to GoodSam. They take care of the locking yourself out of the camper ordeal..and quickly I might add. Even in far away places…like Bay’s Mountain. (I promise they did not pay me to say that…I am just really grateful!)

5. Lastly, if you add Mayo to your guacamole (I know it sounds weird…but it is so good) you will get food poisoning if you leave it out too long. And you will be glad you are in a camper and not in a tent. Food poisoning is not fun. Food poisoning without a toilet nearby is less fun.

Despite all of the “learning experiences,” we had so much fun!! The kids thought it was so cool to fuel up next to the big guys.

And spring was happening before our eyes.

We made time for exploring.

And taking in the view.

I would love to hear about any of your RV “learning experiences!” Please feel free to share in the comments. Happy camping!

This weekend we drove to Charlottesville to pick apples at Carter Mountain Orchard. This is a yearly tradition for our family. We go to pick too many apples, eat our weight in apple doughnuts, and enjoy gorgeous views of Charlottesville. This year we waited for Pink Lady Apples to be ready because they are our absolute favorite. Somehow Pink Lady’s manage sweet and tart along with crisp and juicy in one perfect apple.

This year it seems as if our apple picking destination has been found out by the masses. There was a long line of cars climbing the mountain. The kind lady paying for doughnuts and pecan soft serve ahead of me was from Washington D.C., which is quite a drive. Despite the multitude of people, apple picking at Carter Mountain will always top my list of favorite fall destinations. Heaven knows we picked enough apples. It is absolutely addicting. Before you know it, you are walking back to your car with $30 worth of apples and a smile on your face.